Fruit picking is the quintessential Working Holiday job in Australia. Every year, thousands of backpackers head to regional farms to pick, sort and pack fruit. The work is physically demanding but rewarding -- you earn good money, spend time outdoors, meet people from all over the world, and most importantly, the days count toward your 88-day visa extension requirement. Whether you prefer tropical mangoes in Queensland or crisp apples in Tasmania, there is a fruit picking job waiting for you.
Typical Positions
- •Picker -- Harvesting fruit directly from trees or plants. The most common role, paid hourly or by piece rate.
- •Sorter -- Grading fruit by size, quality and ripeness on sorting lines. Usually indoors.
- •Packer -- Boxing and packaging fruit for transport and retail. Packing shed environment.
- •Team Leader -- Supervising a group of pickers. Requires experience and good English. Higher pay.
Expected Salary
| Role | Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Picking | $28-32/hr | Hourly or piece rate |
| Sorting | $25-28/hr | Usually hourly, indoors |
| Piece Rate | Varies | Can be higher or lower depending on speed |
⚠️ Piece Rate Warning
Piece rate pay varies significantly depending on the crop, farm and your speed. Some experienced pickers earn well above the hourly rate, but beginners may earn less. Australian law requires that you earn at least the minimum wage equivalent. If your piece rate earnings fall below minimum wage, speak to your employer or contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Seasonality
Different fruits are harvested at different times of the year. Plan your route to follow the seasons and maximise your earning potential.
| Fruit | Peak Season | Main Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Cherries | Nov - Jan | VIC, TAS |
| Mangoes | Oct - Dec | QLD, NT |
| Apples | Feb - May | TAS, VIC |
| Berries | Oct - Jun | QLD, TAS |
| Bananas | Year-round | QLD |
Top Regions
Bundaberg, QLD
The backpacker capital of farm work. Huge variety of crops year-round including tomatoes, capsicums, zucchini, macadamias and citrus.
Shepparton, VIC
Major apple, pear and stone fruit region. Busy from January to April with strong demand for pickers and packers.
Huon Valley, TAS
Famous for cherries and apples. Beautiful scenery, cooler climate. Peak season December to April.
Bowen, QLD
Tropical fruit and vegetable hub. Tomatoes, capsicums and mangoes. Work available most of the year.
Orange, NSW
Apple and cherry country. A charming regional town with steady seasonal demand from February onwards.
Visa Eligibility
💡 Counts Toward 88 Days
Fruit picking in designated regional areas counts toward the 88 days of specified work required for a second or third year Working Holiday Visa. Make sure you keep accurate records of your payslips, employment dates and the farm postcode. Read our complete 88-day guide →